MTO Approved
Beginner Driver Education
(BDE) Course Provider

G1 to G2 in Ontario: How Long Is the Wait With and Without BDE?

Drive2Day Driving School blog

The short answer

In Ontario you normally have to hold your G1 licence for 12 months before you can take the G2 road test. If you complete an MTO approved Beginner Driver Education (BDE) course, that wait is reduced to 8 months.

What happens during the G1 stage

The G1 stage is your learning period. You can drive only with a fully licensed driver beside you, and there are other G1 rules to follow. This is the time to build habits, so the more supervised practice you get, the easier the G2 road test feels.

Practise often, in different conditions such as daytime, evening, rain and heavy traffic
Work on the skills examiners check: observation, lane changes, turns, speed and parking
Consider professional lessons to correct habits early

How BDE shortens the wait

BDE is an MTO approved course that combines online theory, homework and in-car lessons with an approved instructor. When you finish the course, your driving school reports your completion, and you become eligible for the G2 road test after 8 months instead of 12. At Drive2Day we handle your MTO certificate for you.

Does BDE save money on insurance?

Many insurance companies offer a discount for BDE graduates, but the amount depends on the insurer. Ask your insurance provider how it works before you rely on it.

Booking your G2 road test

Once you are eligible, you can book your G2 road test with DriveTest. Appointment availability changes, so book as soon as you can. If you want a pre-test lesson, or want to use a Drive2Day car for your test, see our G2 and G lessons and road test car rental pages.

Is BDE right for you?

If you are just starting with your G1, BDE is worth looking at: it shortens the wait, gives you structured instruction and may lower your insurance. Read more on our BDE course page, or book a demo class to meet an instructor first.